Set of Six Dining Chairs by Guglielmo Ulrich (Attr.), Italy 1950s
Set of Six Dining Chairs by Guglielmo Ulrich (Attr.), Italy 1950s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
During the post-war era, when modernism gained a distinct momentum, most designers found it challenging to balance modern sensibilities and classical elegance. Entering the mid-century modern era, Italy’s design approach stood out for combining the past with a niche sense of creativity. This set of chairs, attributed to architect and designer Guglielmo Ulrich, blends these unique elements.
Made in 1950s Italy, this stunning set of dining chairs carries a sleek, timeless charm, full of unique design elements, soft curves and organic lines. The allure of this model rests in its sculptural silhouette, most striking in the structure of its backrest. The combination of upward rising arches, in contrast with the horizontal cross-rails, frame the sitter while providing ample support for the spine and lower back. The elegantly bent arches of the top rail fan upward in a double composition, connecting with the deeply curved rail that runs through the middle. Made of a beautiful and rich dark-toned wood, the flawlessly shaped, smooth edges evoke the form of a gracious harp, elegantly holding the centre attention of the design. The sweeping silhouette continues in the formation of the front legs, swooping down with a slight bend into a tapered finish. The upholstered seats, with their rounded sides and soft fabric, contribute to an outstanding sitting experience. The geometric pattern adds visual interest, creating a warm aura with its mellow colours.
The Italian craftsmanship that went into designing these dining chairs is nothing short of exceptional. Each structure is carved and assembled with meticulous attention to detail of the joinery, granting this set the potential to elevate diverse interiors. Having the versatility to fit in with more classical styles due to its sculptural presence, as well as the capability to fit in modern places with its attention to geometric detail, the set truly has an enduring appeal and a timeless presence.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
18.50 in W x 20.86 in D x 38.77 in H; Seat height 18.70 in; Seat depth 17.32 in
47 cm W x 53 cm D x 98.5 cm H; Seat height 47.5 cm; Seat depth 44 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The Italian architect, painter and furniture designer, Guglielmo Ulrich, descended from a noble family with Danish origins. He quickly became a very influential figure in modern Italian design and his models are real delicacies today.
As this pair of 1950s lounge chairs show, Ulrich’s work is elegant and rich in detail. Although his work does not quite conform with the strict norms of simplicity of the time, it fits the prevalent aesthetics of Modernism. In the case of these chairs, the fully upholstered bodies show the general mid-century modern characteristics with an ergonomic and functional design. The seats are slightly raised, and the backs tilted, creating an angle that supports the sitter and the lounging experience. The wooden arms transcending to form the back legs however, truly stand out. The sharp curvature of the armrests and front legs define the look and create an interesting effect, as if the upholstered seats and backs were connected to them without joinery. The carved, dark wood and soft upholstery make them even more pronounced. There are more, subtler features to these chairs, including the wider armrests and the curved backrests, both in service of comfortable lounging. Thanks to the quality of his furnishings, that Ulrich designed and made personally, he became the trusted architects of many upper-class Milanese families. He participates in the furnishing of the most prestigious Italian ships: Cristoforo Colombo, Raffaello, etc.
“A nobleman of yesteryear, with sudden jokes and twists, such as a pipe with an egg in his mouth and a very concrete sense of doing” is how he was often described. This pair of chairs is much like this description with a playful, elegant design completed by quality materials and craftsmanship.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
24.4 in W x 31.69 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 14.17 in; Arm height 23.42 in
62 cm W x 80.5 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 36 cm; Arm height 59.5 cm
About the designer:
Guglielmo Ulrich (born 1904, Milan–died 1977) was an Italian architect, furniture designer, and painter. He was born to a notable family of Danish origin. In 1924, Ulrich enrolled in the Scuola Speciale di Architettura at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera. He finished his studies at Politecnico di Milano in 1927 and soon became a very influential figure in modern Italian design.
In 1930, along with Scaglia and Wild, Guglielmo Ulrich founded and became head designer of home furnishing company Arca (Arredamento casa, or Home Furnishing), a company engaged in the creation of high-quality furnishing accessories characterized by craftsmanship and the use of premium materials. In the 1950s, he participated in several editions of the Triennale di Milano and concentrated on designing buildings, offices, and retail shops throughout Italy.
Most of Ulrich’s furniture designs from this era, and especially his chairs and chaise lounges, resemble simplified and streamlined design versions of late 19th century pieces and do not necessarily conform to modern designs prevalent in Northern Europe and the U.S. in the 1950s. In the 1960s, Ulrich focused his work toward industrial design and was able to create original and impactful objects. His talent was rewarded on many occasions. In 1961, he won the Fiera di Trieste award for his Trieste chair, produced by furniture maker Saffa.